Photo: zebedeugalinhaCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Labdanum Plant Care
Cistus ladanifer L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its sticky, resinous leaves that give off a sweet aroma when crushed. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this evergreen shrub is highly sought after by plant collectors for its drought tolerance and beautiful pink or white flowers.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–80°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Labdanum?
Plant Labdanum in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 8a–10b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Labdanum Native To?
What Is the Labdanum?
Labdanum (Cistus ladanifer) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Cistus genus. Labdanum is native to the western Mediterranean region. Labdanum is also known as Gum Cistus, Rose-of-Sharon, Crimson-spot Rockrose.
Labdanum displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Labdanum produces showy, 5-petaled flowers in shades of pink, white, or purple.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Labdanum?
Water a young or newly planted Labdanum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Labdanum Need?
Labdanum thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Labdanum Prefer?
Cistus ladanifer tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Labdanum prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Labdanum?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Good drainage is essential for Labdanum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Labdanum?
Feed Labdanum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Labdanum?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Labdanum is suited to USDA Zone 8a – 10b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Labdanum?
Labdanum can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Labdanum?
Prune Labdanum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Labdanum in Winter?
Labdanum is hardy down to USDA zone 8a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.
Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.
How Do You Propagate a Labdanum?
Labdanum can be propagated through softwood cuttings, semi-hardwood cuttings.
Is the Labdanum Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Labdanum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Labdanum?
Labdanum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Labdanum Need?
Labdanum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 8a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 8a. Labdanum is native to the western Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 8a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Labdanum is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Cistus genus — compare its care with other Cistus species on PlantoScan.
Cistus is part of the Cistaceae plant family — browse all Cistaceae genera and species.
Labdanum thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Cistus ladanifer L., family Cistaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 523 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Labdanum, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: zebedeugalinha, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 8a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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